The esophagus is a tube that carries food and liquids from your mouth to your stomach. Esophageal cancer is a cancerous growth or tumor within the esophagus. According to the Mayo Clinic, esophageal cancer is more common in men than women and is more often diagnosed in people between the ages of 50 and 70 years. Treatment options vary according to the type and extent of the cancer.
Surgery
The most common treatment for esophageal cancer is surgery in which the tumor is removed.
Esophagectomy
An esophagectomy is a surgical treatment in which part of the esophagus is removed, and the healthy, remaining part is attached to the stomach.
Esophageal Stent
If part of the esophagus is blocked by a tumor, a tube or a stent may be inserted into the esophagus to keep it open to allow liquids and food to travel to the stomach.
Radiation Therapy
The extent of the esophageal cancer determines whether internal or external radiation treatment will be utilized. External involves a machine outside the body focusing X-rays on the cancer. Internal radiation involves the radioactive substances to be placed directly into the tumor or near the cancer for treatment.
Chemotherapy
Regional or systemic chemotherapy may be used depending on the type and extent of the esophageal cancer. Regional chemotherapy involves injecting the medicine directly into the area affected by cancer. Systemic chemotherapy is given by mouth or injection, and the medication reaches the cancer via bloodstream.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is laser beams focused directly on the cancer as treatment for esophageal cancer.
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